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26 May 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
Fix Windows error "this file does not have an app associated with it for performing this action", and restore lost data through effective techniques.



Table of contents

table iconI. Causes for the error This file does not have an app associated with it
table iconII. How to solve the error, This file does not have an app associated with it?
table iconIII. When important files are accidentally lost, use Renee Undeleter
this file does not have an app associated with it

I. Causes for the error This file does not have an app associated with it

Encountering an error on your Windows PC can be frustrating, especially when it happens during critical moments like game launches, accessing files, or while using third-party software. Common issues causing such disruptions include autoplay functions on USB drives, corrupted system files, restricted user permissions, and registry errors. Addressing these root causes is essential to restoring seamless operation.
This file does not have an app associated with it
Understanding the possible reasons for the failure enables us to effectively fix the error. Below is a detailed repair method for continued learning.

II. How to solve the error, This file does not have an app associated with it?

1. Create a new Windows user account

To resolve the issue “this file does not have an application associated with it to perform this action” due to restricted permissions, create a new Windows user account by following these steps:
Step 1: Run the computer, find the (Start)-(Settings)-(Accounts) option in turn and enter.
select account in settings
Step 2: Select the Family & other users option on the left, then click the Add someone else to this PC button on the right.
add user to pc
Step 3: Click on the Users option on the left, then right-click in the right-side blank space and choose New User.
add new user Windows
Step 4: Navigate to the new user creation page, input the desired user name and password, and then click the Create button to establish a new Windows user account. Restart the computer and log in with the new account to check if the issue has been resolved.
add new user windows

2. Add the user account to the Administrators group

Another widely recognized solution is to add the user account to the administrator group. The steps to do this are as follows:
Step 1: Boot your computer and simultaneously press Windows+R key to launch the Run dialog. Type lusrmgr.msc and click OK.
enter lusrmgr in run
Step 2: On the left side, click Group, then on the right side, double-click Administrators and click the Add button.
administrator group
Step 3: Type the desired account name in the “Enter the object name to select” field, then click Check Names. Once verified, click OK to add the user to the administrator group. Restart your PC to check if the issue is resolved.
Add the user account to the Administrators group

3. Disable autoplay

To fix file association errors related to autoplay, follow these steps to disable the feature:
Step 1: Run the computer, and find (Settings) – (Devices) option in turn.
choose devices in windows 10 settings
Step 2: Select the AutoPlay option on the left side, then switch the “Use AutoPlay for all media and devices” to Off on the right-hand pane. For Removable drive, choose the “Take no action” setting. Restart your computer to confirm that the issue has been resolved.
autoplay windows 10

4. Change the registry

Before modifying the registry, safeguard system files by creating a restore point and a disk image, then proceed with the changes.
Step 1: Boot up your computer and press Windows+R keys together to open the Run dialog. Enter Regedit and click OK to access the Registry Editor.
open registry editor by running regedit
Step 2: Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Lnkfile using the search box. Search for a value named IsShortcut in the right pane. If it exists, continue to the next step. If not, right-click in the empty space, select New > String Value, and name it IsShortcut.
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT Lnkfile
Step 3: Navigate to the registry path HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D}\shell\Manage\command, double-click the (Default) entry, and verify that its value data is set to %SystemRoot%\system32\CompMgmtLauncher.exe. Confirm by clicking OK.
Registry HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT
To resolve the “This file does not have a program associated with it to perform this action” error, the methods outlined above can be employed. Should important files be inadvertently deleted while troubleshooting, refer to the content in the third section below to recover any lost data.

III. When important files are accidentally lost, use Renee Undeleter

1. What is Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is a software designed for data restoration. It’s highly effective for scenarios such as accidental deletion of important files, recycle bin clearance, or disk/memory formatting. This utility provides four main functions: Fast Partition Scan, Whole Partition Scan, Whole Disk Scan, and Image Creation, each offering a user-friendly and adaptable experience.
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2. How to restore accidentally lost files with Renee Undeleter?

Step 1: Download and install Renee Undeleter. Launch the application and select “Fast Partition Scan” from the main menu.
fast partition scan with Renee Undeleter
Step 2: Select the partition containing the lost data and click Next. The scanning process will initiate, and please wait patiently.
scan disk with Renee Undeleter
Step 3: Select the Fast Scan option and click the Next button to start the scanning process.
Be aware that “Fast Partition Scan – Fast Scan” examines only the initial 30GB of the selected disk’s unallocated space. If your file isn’t found, switch to Fast Partition Scan – Deep Scan for an in-depth analysis, though be prepared for an extended duration. Your patience is appreciated.
fast scan lost data
Step 4: After the scan completes, preview the file by double-clicking it. Select the file you wish to recover and click the Recover button to restore it to a different disk.
recover files with Renee Undeleter